Written by Celine Fournier, Julien Lambert, Maria Gaulto
07/08/2025
Marek Bosaknaturephotography, Pexels
Zakynthos, a Greek Ionian island, offers a blend of stunning natural beauty with its turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and renowned sea caves. Visitors can explore iconic Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, discover the Blue and Keri Caves by boat, and observe loggerhead sea turtles in their natural habitat. Beyond its famed coastlines, the island presents a landscape of tranquil villages, olive groves, and opportunities for active exploration.
For a lively social scene and vibrant nightlife, Laganas is the primary hub, known for its numerous bars and clubs. Elsewhere on the island, Zakynthos Town and Argassi provide a range of restaurants and bars for more relaxed evenings, offering opportunities to mingle in a less intense atmosphere.
Top 6 Things to do in Zakynthos
Activities in Zakynthos primarily focus on experiencing its famed natural beauty, marine life, and local charm.
1. Boat Trip to Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach and Blue Caves
Embark on a boat trip to witness the iconic Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, a striking cove with white sand and limestone cliffs. Visitors can view the shipwreck from the water. The journey continues to the Blue Caves, a series of sea caves famed for their mesmerizing blue reflections, offering opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Direct access to Navagio Beach itself has faced restrictions; it is advisable to check current local guidelines for swimming and landing.
Cost: Group boat tours typically range from €10 to €30 per person. Prices can vary based on tour length and inclusions.
Transport: Tours depart from various points, including Porto Vromi, Agios Nikolaos, or Zakynthos Town. Porto Vromi and Agios Nikolaos can be reached by rental car or taxi. Taxi fares vary by distance (e.g., Zakynthos Town to Agios Nikolaos is a longer journey).
2. Visit Navagio Shipwreck Viewpoint
Observe the famous Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach from a panoramic clifftop viewpoint. This offers a breathtaking perspective of the shipwreck nestled in the bay with its dramatic surrounding cliffs and turquoise waters.
Cost: Free to access the viewpoint.
Transport: The viewpoint is accessible by rental car or taxi. It is in the northwest of the island, about 35 km from Zakynthos Town. Taxi fares vary depending on your starting location; expect a longer journey and higher cost if coming from the south.
3. Turtle Spotting and Keri Caves Boat Tour
Discover the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, a vital breeding ground for the endangered Caretta Caretta loggerhead sea turtles. Boat tours often include visits to Marathonisi (Turtle Island), where turtles nest, and the stunning Keri Caves, known for their clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. There is a high chance of spotting turtles in their natural habitat.
Cost: Group boat tours for turtle spotting and Keri Caves range from approximately €18 (child) to €27 (adult). Private boat tours are also available from around €50 per person for small groups, or private boat rentals (self-drive without a license) from €60-€80 for a full day, offering more flexibility.
Transport: Tours generally depart from southern areas like Laganas, Agios Sostis, or Keri. These areas are reachable by rental car or taxi. Taxi from Zakynthos Town to Laganas is around €13.
4. Explore Zakynthos Town and Bochali Hill
Wander through Zakynthos Town, the island's capital, known for its Venetian and Neoclassical architecture. Explore Solomos Square, visit the Byzantine Museum, and admire the Church of Agios Dionysios. For panoramic views of the town and port, ascend to Bochali Hill, where you can enjoy a coffee or drink.
Cost: Exploring the town and Bochali Hill is free, though museums may have entrance fees (e.g., Byzantine Museum).
Transport: Zakynthos Town is the main hub and is walkable. From Zakynthos Airport, a taxi to Zakynthos Town typically costs €13-€18. A public bus from the airport to the main bus station in Zakynthos Town costs about €1.60, but service is limited, especially on weekends. Bochali Hill is about 2 km from the center of Zakynthos Town and can be reached by taxi or a walk uphill.
5. Relax at a Family-Friendly Beach
Enjoy the soft sands and calm, shallow waters of Zakynthos' family-friendly beaches. Alykes and Tsilivi are excellent choices, offering clear turquoise waters, gentle slopes into the sea, and a variety of facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports. These beaches are well-suited for a relaxed day by the sea.
Cost: Beach access is free. Renting two sunbeds with an umbrella can cost around €10-€15.
Transport: These beaches are accessible by rental car, taxi, or local buses that connect major resorts and Zakynthos Town. A taxi from Zakynthos Airport to Alykes costs approximately €33.
6. Taste Local Zakynthian Cuisine and Olive Oil
Indulge in the rich flavors of Zakynthian cuisine at traditional tavernas. Savor dishes like souvlaki, gyros, moussaka, stifado (beef stew), and fresh seafood such as grilled octopus or calamari. The island is also renowned for its high-quality olive oil; consider visiting a local olive grove or mill for a tasting experience to learn about its production.
Cost: Meal costs vary widely by restaurant type. Olive oil tastings may be free at some local mills or part of a tour.
Transport: Restaurants and tavernas are found across the island, particularly in Zakynthos Town, Laganas, and other tourist areas. Visiting olive groves or mills typically requires a rental car or taxi.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
